Greenville Drive Homestand Preview

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Fresh off a 2017 South Atlantic League Championship and Minor League Baseball’s prestigious John H. Johnson President’s Award, both franchise firsts, the Greenville Drive have gotten to a hot start in 2018 as well, with victories in their first two contests. Fans will get their first chance to see the 2018 edition of the Greenville Drive on Thursday, April 12th as part of Opening Week presented by TD Bank.The Drive roster, led by new Manager Iggy Suarez, features three of Boston’s top five picks in the last two years, as well as several returnees from last year’s championship team, and the talented roster combined with the exciting promotions and community events make for great reasons to join us for Opening Week.

Opening Day presented by TD Bank is Thursday, April 12th. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM, but fans will want to be in their seats early, as beginning at 6:30, the Drive will recognize the nine players and field staff members who were part of last year’s South Atlantic League title by presenting them with their championship rings. The pregame ceremonies will include the raising of the 2017 SAL Championship flag, and will also feature a special presentation to the City of Greenville regarding the Johnson Award involving Greenville Mayor Knox White, one of the Drive’s biggest supporters, prior to the full roster and starting lineup introductions.

Thursday is also the first of 11 Dollar Drink Nights at Fluor Field this season, and this year, Dollar Drink Night has a new twist! Head to the 500 Club when gates open at 6:00 PM for $1 Keystone Lights, plus a new beer option in the month of April! Fans have been invited to vote on a beer from SweetWater Brewery they want to see available for $2 during Thursday home games, and SweetWater 420 won the fan vote on social media. Three lucky winners who purchase a SweetWater 420 on Opening Night will receive passes to SweetWater 420 Fest in Atlanta later this month.

Friday, April 13th marks the return of Hubbell Lighting “Light it Up” Friday Night Fireworks to Fluor Field. The Drive and Braves begin at 7:05 PM, and following the game, be sure to stick around for the first of 12 Friday Night Fireworks shows this season. There’s no better way to start off your weekend than with Drive baseball and the best fireworks show in the Upstate. Friday also marks the return of the “Thirst Inning” promotion, where fans can purchase $2 Budweiser products at the beer carts on the third base and first base sides during the first inning of action.

We’re going back to the 80’s on Saturday, April 14th with 80’s Night! First pitch is at 7:05 PM, and the evening activities will feature all your favorite music from the 80’s, from Michael Jackson to Journey and everything in between, entertaining on-field games, trivia and much more. You can quench your early game thirst with the “Thirst Inning” promotion on Saturday as well.

The series with Rome concludes on Sunday, April 15th at 4:05 PM with the annual Safe Kids Upstate Day at Fluor Field, in partnership with Greenville Health System and Bradshaw Automotive. Safety Patrol members will participate in a pregame parade around the Fluor Field warning track at 3:30 PM, and Safe Kids will be handing out bike helmets to the first 400 children who enter the Fluor Field gates. Throughout the day, the Drive will be recognizing Safe Kids Upstate’s annual award winners, including their Grand Slam Winner, Volunteers of the Year, the Hero Award, and the Brian Donnelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Children of all ages will also be able to learn more about all aspects of safety “At Home, At Play and On the Way” with concourse exhibits and interactive stations, and following the completion of all stations, children will have a chance to win great prizes. After the game, be sure to stick around for BlueCross BlueShield Kids Run the Bases!

The series with the Fireflies begins on Monday, April 16th at 7:05 PM as the Drive will host CESA Night in recognition of CESA (Carolina Elite Soccer Academy) and their role in the advancement of youth soccer in the Upstate. A pregame parade featuring CESA athletes will begin at 6:30.The in-game recognition will include the Furman women’s soccer team, who won the Southern Conference regular season championship in the fall of 2017, several members of the Clemson men’s soccer team who are CESA alums, and first-year and long-tenured coaches in the CESA program. The Drive will also host Fluor Community Night, a celebration of one of the Drive’s most prominent partnerships. Fluor Community Night will shine a light on Fluor’s community outreach efforts, the multiple organizations and groups impacted, and the individuals driving Fluor’s community reach and impact.

On Tuesday, April 17th, the Drive are partnering with Greenville County Schools and Public Educations Partners for Teach 864 Night, which celebrates the hard-working and dedicated teachers in Greenville County. All teachers are invited to participate and congratulate their peers for their efforts in molding the future leaders of tomorrow. The school with the highest percentage of teacher attendance will receive special recognition during the game. The Drive will also be introducing “Tecate Tuesday” at Fluor Field for Tuesday’s game. Fans can purchase a 16-ounce Tecate with a koozie, as well as two tacos, for just $6 at the Carrera Cantina concession stand.

Opening Week concludes on Wednesday, April 18th with the Drive’s third annual Health Careers Night. In partnership with Greenville Health System and Greenville County Schools, Health Careers Night is designed to educate, excite, and “wow” students about the wide ranging careers available in Health Care. An interactive Health Careers career fair will begin on the Fluor Field concourse at 6:00 PM when gates open. First pitch for the game is at 7:05, and the night’s action will include health-focused entertainment, student games, testimonials, and much more.